Considers the use of information technology in the UK (United Kingdom) National Health Service (NHS) as the government pledges to connect every doctor or general practitioner to the NHS's information superhighway by the year 2002. Uses a case study to social and technical considerations surrounding this issue. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the geographic diffusion of telecommunications services, particularly the Internet, and analyzes the development of Internet backbone networks. Focuses on the intermetropolitan links, network capacity, and network links, and suggests the need for experimentation with empirical techniques and measurements to study the relationships…

Discusses the need for strategic planning in libraries for the use of information technology that will add value to the library and better serve the users. Explains a model for developing information technology strategic plans that includes vision statements, goals and strategies, and an implementation timeline. (LRW)

The experiences of 24 women and 14 men working at home (23 independently, 15 as employees) indicated that, although their prime motivation was flexibility, this often benefitted employers more than employees. There were gender differences in childcare arrangements and part-time status. Home-based employment has the potential to reinforce existing…

Students who used the Geohazards course were compared with those using the Malta Fieldcourse, both intended to develop skills in communications and information technology. The result was that both courses were altered, particularly in terms of the learning environment. (JOW)

Describes the development and features of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Service's Child Health System (CHS), a computerized health record application designed to capture information on the health status and medical needs of over 60,000 children. Includes a brief overview of the 2,688 cases entered into the system during the…

Electronic ground was broken in 1995 with the development of the completely Internet-based bank Security First Network Bank. This article discusses the need for developing online services, outlines the reasons for the formation of an Internet-based bank and argues that to remain competitive financial services providers must provide easier customer…

Although broadband Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) can deliver much greater amounts of information than narrow-band Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), in reality bottlenecks place severe constraints on its performance. This article discusses shortfalls in Internet services, technology and user behavior, and describes efforts in the…

Examines the information infrastructure and the impact of information technology in India. Highlights include attempts toward automation; library networking at the national and local level; descriptions of four major networks; library software; and constraints of networking in academic libraries. (LRW)

Examines the historical and philosophical roots of science and technology. Offers a case study of the overhead projector to illustrate the need for materialistic reading of the historical/philosophical roots of technology and science; argues that this would raise the status of technology education so that it can become a more widely accepted…

A discussion about philosophies that inform educational practice in North America provides a background for analysis of different philosophies in relation to technology education, and provides insight into the significance of reconstructionism, an outgrowth of pragmatism, as a philosophy in which to frame and describe technology education. This is…

Discusses the use of technology in higher education and cites statewide plans in California and Washington that have recently been criticized for an overemphasis on technology. Topics include knowledge as a static commodity and as a dynamic process; new paradigms of knowledge; and where information technology can make a difference. (LRW)

Considers the relationship between pedagogy and technology in driving changes in education in the 21st century and assesses the efficacy of new learning environments. Describes effects on university organizational structure resulting from information technology; addresses funding and staff, impact on management, changing role of lecturers, changes…

Describes the emergence of corporate universities and strategic alliances among universities, electronic learning companies, and technology companies that are providing online delivery of interactive education and training. Outlines characteristics of comprehensive electronic learning and cautions against the use of new technologies to deliver…

Explores some of the issues surrounding library and information technology support for virtual learning environments through a focus on four models, each illustrated by a world-class example, that demonstrate good practice. Concludes with observations on the mutual need that virtual and physical libraries have for each other. (EV)